Olamic Cutlery

Olamic Cutlery Voykar

Published: March 31st, 2013 by The Edge Observer 4

The Voykar is a 10.25″ fixed blade from Olamic Cutlery. Olamic is based in the US however the majority of their knives are made in Russia. Their products range from traditional hunting knives to their soon to be, contemporary folders. This particular knife sits somewhere in the middle, made from age old forging techniques mixed with modern handle scale materials and a blade profile similar to WWII combat utility knives.

The blade on the Voykar is made from Olamic’s proprietary 350 layer high carbon/vanadium alloyed Damascus. This is created off an O1 tool steel base with the addition of three other metals. Offered in several styles, this features the “Storms of Jupiter” pattern.

The profile is a classic clip point. A mid, shallow hollow grind provides a good thickness to receive the edge bevel while still providing backing blade stock. For ease of penetrating cuts there is also a slight swedge. This time tested geometry will be great for a wide range of utility tasks. A blade thickness of .15″ should provide durability over the 5 5/8″ blade length.

On the blade flats the Voykar has a fuller. Often miscalled a “blood groove” the fuller actually serves to both lighten or balance the blade while strengthening it. The name comes from the Fuller tool. This is a half-cylindrical or parabolic shaped extrusion that slots into an anvil’s Hardy hole (sometimes two sided with a top and bottom fuller). It is generally used in the process of spreading metals but is also employed in blade-smithing, particularly sword-smithing to add rigidity. More often than not, in modern examples a fuller is ground or milled in rather than hammered in and serves primarily as decoration. The final detailing in the blade comes from a unique serial number hand stamped on one side and the Olamic infinity logo on the other.

The handle is build on a sturdy full tang. The ergonomics are simple but very good. A slight dip at each end and a flared pommel add comfort and security. The over-all shape has a nice swell and is without hot spots.

Thick carbon fiber scales add a contemporary touch to the otherwise traditional appearance. The softly contoured shape reveals an attractive wavy pattern where the laminate layers are revealed. This appropriately ties in with the Damascus which is created through a similar layering process. Also matched through their colors, the two materials are perfectly suited despite the blades heritage and the scales high tech roots. Further adding to the mix the carbon fiber is fastened with mosaic pins. There is a large lanyard hole to both assist in pulling the knife out of the sheath or for retention when in use.

For carry the knife comes with a dark brown leather sheath. This is made with a fold over construction that is stitched, glued and riveted on one side. There are two loops on the back for higher or lower belt carry. The upper loop is articulated on a metal ring while the lower is fastened to the back side with two rivets. Olamic’s logo is boldly embossed on the show face. The knife is primarily held in by gravity, but rides very low covering a good amount of the handle. Although the sheath is very nicely made, retention could be better.

Overall the Olamic Cutlery Voykar is a beautifully executed knife. The combination of materials is quite eclectic but well suited, tastefully pulling together a wide range of influences and technologies. The result is a unique, sophisticated looking utility blade that could easily sit in a collection or be put to work out in the bush. While Olamic offers an enormous range of natural and synthetic material options their straight carbon fiber/Damascus combination is one of my favorites to date.

Specs

Length : 10.25″
Weight : 11 0z

Blade

5 5/8″
Tool Steel Damascus (O1 Base) 300-350 layers
57-58 HRc

Handle

4 5/8″
Full Tang
Carbon Fiber
Mosaic Pins

Made in Russia

Olamic Cutlery Kovda Damascus Hunting Knife

Published: May 18th, 2012 by The Edge Observer 6

The Kovda is a hunting knife by Olamic Cutlery. Started in 2010, Olamic is a fairly new, family owned and operated business. They specialize in hand made hunting knives. Each one is produced in Russia by craftsman, using traditional smithing techniques and styling, often coupled with modern materials. Although the knives are made in Russia, Olamic is headed by Eugene Solomonik in San Jose, California.

The knife features a full tang construction ground from a thick piece of Olamic’s “Standard Torsion” Damascus. They also offers other patterns such as their Saturn’s Rings, Standard Twist, Storms of Jupiter and a damascus composite weld.

Although the patterns vary, all of the steels are considered high carbon vanadium/molybdenum steel. The inclusion of both elements in an alloy produces stable carbides, added ductility and toughness as well as inhibited grain growth. All properties that produce a keen, long working, reliable edge. Outside of the blades elemental qualities, the multiple folds are said to add mechanical strength and certainly add extraordinary beauty. Each knife is etched to expose the evenly distributed contrasty pattern of 300 to 350 layers.

The overall blade length of this knife is 5.5″ but a slight trailing point extends the cutting edge to 5.75″. The primary bevel is hollow ground and averages a .75″ width that reduces the .156″ blade stock nicely. These knives have a secondary bevel that is finely and evenly sharpened. A fairly deep swedge that travels 2″ down the spine, produces a very sharp point for penetrating cuts. Olamic’s logo appears on one side of the blade. The opposite side is serialized denoting that the knife is one of a kind.

It should be noted that this is not a stainless Damascus and requires care to prevent corrosion. Fortunately the knives ship with a Tuf-Cloth by Sentry Solutions to help with maintenance.

The handle of the Kovda begins at the blade’s shoulders. These produce a first finger groove backed by a good sized thumb ramp providing excellent control. The over all shape arcs toward the pommel where it has a slight flare to prevent slipping. There is a large amount of palm-swell that has a soft peak just behind the first finger groove. This provides an indentation that locks in the last three fingers (the fingers actually responsible for the strength of your grip) tightly. The over-all geometry is very comfortable. Its thoughtful shape and well finished surfaces are without hot-spots allowing for safe and easy use over a long period of time, in a wet or dry scenario.

Made from olive drab, linen micarta and brought to a polish, the scales perfectly compliment the damascus. The classically inspired appearance of the Kovda’s blade coupled with the traditional smithing, blends in surprisingly well with the modern resin based material. This is due to the similarity in tone and that both materials are visibly layered. The handle is punctuated with mosaic pins that give the Kovda a tasteful steel, copper and brass embellishment.

For carry, a heavy natural leather sheath is provided. It has a loop so that it can be belt worn. The construction is simple and robust. The leather is folded, glued stitched and finally riveted. Made from thick hide, it should last a very long time. The knife sits deeply and with a firm retention. There is a secondary loop that allows the knife to be carried at different heights or lashed to gear. It would be nice to see the bottom most rivet an eyelet, so that the sheath could be tied to your leg or more firmly attached to a pack.

For added detailing, Olamic’s logo and word mark are embossed on the front face of the sheath.

Kovda, Detail of Linen Micarta In Sheath

The Kovda’s over-all build is very solid and takes advantage of a generous use of materials. While this makes for a weighty package, it also gives the knife great quality, value and longevity. The attention to detail, beautiful finishing and masterfully made Damascus blade is matched by its functional design. One that perfectly combines contemporary materials and historic techniques in a current take on classic Russian hunting knives. This knife will appeal to collectors and users alike. The Kovda is as usable as it is unique.